When I Met Him Again

The morning sunlight poured gently into the room as Aanya opened her eyes. A soft breeze danced through the curtains. She sat up, stretched lightly, and glanced at the clock. It was already 7:15 AM.

She freshened up and got ready for college in a pastel blue kurti and jeans, tying her hair into a soft braid. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of her room.

"Good morning, Aunty," she smiled, seeing Aryan's mother in the kitchen.

"Good morning, beta," she replied warmly. "Breakfast is ready. Come sit."

"Good morning, Prerna Didi," Aanya greeted cheerfully.

"Morning! You look fresh," Prerna said, sipping her tea.

Aanya bent down and gently patted Max, their dog. "Good morning to you too, Max," she giggled.

She sat down at the table and started eating her breakfast. A few minutes later, Aryan walked in wearing a crisp white shirt and black trousers. He nodded slightly at Aanya before sitting down across from her.

"I've packed lunch for both of you," Aryan's mother said, placing two lunchboxes on the table.

Aanya smiled.

After finishing breakfast, Aryan suddenly stood and picked up his bag.

"Let's go," he said calmly.

Everyone at the table paused.

"To whom are you saying that?" his mother asked, amused.

Aryan looked at Aanya. "I'll drop you at college."

Aanya blinked. "Me?"

"Yes."

She was silent for a moment, then quickly nodded, surprised but slightly pleased.

Outside, as they walked to the car, she hesitated before asking, "But yesterday you didn't say yes Mr Aryan..."

Aryan shrugged slightly. "I didn't say no either."

Aanya smiled to herself as they got into the car.

"Nice thing, Aanya," Aryan's mother called from the door. "Go with Aryan. It'll be easier for you."

As the car started, Aanya felt a mixture of happiness and nervousness. She glanced at Aryan, who was focused on driving.

"Mr. Aryan," she spoke carefully, "your office... is it in the same direction as my college?"

"Actually, it's in the opposite direction," he replied without looking at her.

Aanya's smile faded a bit. "Oh… then maybe it's difficult for you to drop and pick me up every day."

Aryan replied, "It's fine. I'm okay with it."

Aanya looked away, hiding her smile. Silence settled between them.

"5:30 PM," she suddenly said.

"What?" he asked, glancing at her briefly.

"You need to come at 5:30 PM to pick me up," she clarified.

"Oh. Okay. I will," he replied, returning his focus to the road.

As the car neared the college, she said softly, "Bye."

He nodded in response.

Just as Aanya stepped out of the car, her three best friends came running toward her.

"Aanya! Who was that?" asked Tara, the most curious one.

"Is he your brother?" asked Meera, squinting.

"No," Aanya replied quickly, feeling a bit flustered.

"Then… who?" Nisha grinned.

"He's... my cousin," Aanya answered, choosing the safest lie.

"Oh, but he's really handsome," Tara teased.

"You guys stop! Let's go to class," Aanya blushed and pushed them lightly.

---

After college, around 5:25 PM, the girls walked out together, chatting.

Just then, another group of girls walked past them — led by Rhea, who never liked Aanya.

"Oh, Aanya," Rhea smirked, loud enough for everyone to hear. "You're still in college? I thought you left hostel, so we assumed you left college too."

Her gang laughed.

Aanya's friends glared, but Aanya held her hand up. "Leave it, guys. Not worth it."

They started walking away.

Aanya looked around, slightly worried. She checked her phone. 5:32 PM.

Maybe he forgot... she thought. He has work after all.

She dialed Aryan's number. He picked up.

"Hello, Mr. Aryan... actually it's 5:30 already. Looks like you forgot."

Aryan calmly replied, "Turn left."

Aanya turned her head and saw his car parked right at the corner, engine running.

Her heart skipped a beat.

---

End of Chapter 4.